It's here, the final article of our GOW Monster Week and what a week it's been. We've looked at the weapons in Gears of War, delved into the various locations and even given gamers struggling online a helping hand with Gears of War hints and tips.

Our final article is an exclusive interview with Nan McNamara, also known as Anya Stroud in the Gears of War franchise. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Nan McNamara is an accomplished actress, appearing on stage, screen and behind the microphone. She has voiced characters in Gears of War, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Tony Hawks Project 8, Ghost Hunter and is more widely known as Dr Betty Ross in the Ultimate Avengers.

So I'll start of by saying hello Nan McNamara, or as many Gears fan no doubt know you as Anya Stroud, and welcome to this quick Q&A with myself, Matty, from Console Monster.  

Thank you for having me.

First off then, with Gears being a very male orientated game, how do you feel about being the first female character to have a serious and up-front role in the Gears Universe?  

I am thrilled! I have always loved Anya - the tough, calm exterior - but there has always been something much more underneath that, and I am now getting to explore that big-time in Gears of War 3.

Do you think having a female character in Gears 3 will help more females identify with the game?  

Oh, definitely. I think my presence as Anya in the first two games certainly was something that females could also identify with, but the explosion of Anya (if you will) in Gears 3, well, it really changes everything. And I think women will love Anya's story and journey.  

You seem to have done a fair few voice's for various video game titles; can you give us a little insight into how your usual recording day goes?  

Sure. Usually the sessions are blocked out for four hours at a time. So, I head into the studio and meet with the voice director, as well as the folks who create the game. But, I won't have seen the script before I have arrived - so that can be a fun challenge.  Since I've played Anya for a few years now, I know where the creators and director want me to go. But, with Gears 3, we definitely talked about how Anya has changed and how that manifests vocally.  And, once that tone is set, I need to hit that every time we record. It can be challenging because I am rarely in the recording booth with other actors. We are on our own, and just have to imagine those around us. And of course, we have to imagine the visuals in the world of Gears. It's a lot of fun, but, as I say, can be challenging not being able to play off the other actors.

Further to that, what’s it like spending all day in a recording booth repeating line after line?  

Well, I love that part, actually. It really gives me an opportunity to explore every possible interpretation. Usually, we do sets of three. Sometimes, we'll do a second set, if I haven't hit specifically what they are looking for, and sometimes, I just want to do more to give them more options.  

After all of the recording is done, do you actually get much time to play the games once they have been released. In particular have you had a chance to play Gears of War, if so what do you think of Epic’s creation?  

I don't get to play it as much as I like, but when I have, it is completely addictive! It's a complete experience - and by that I mean, the game takes you to a completely different world. I love that - that's what makes playing the game so much fun. I also love how specific the characters are - there isn't a "generic" character in the game - and that to me is really interesting.

When you first received the script for Gears of War 3, what were your initial impressions?  

Well, without giving anything away, I was blown away by the story in Gears 3. It is a roller coast ride of emotion. Can't say anything more, but I really think folks are going to love where this story takes them.

Having a quick look at Anya's story in the Gears franchise, do you think that Anya and Marcus's obvious attraction will be taken further in games to come and do you think it's wise for Anya's sudden confidence boost leading her to joining Delta squad as a fully fledge frontline soldier?  

Oh, great question. That's tough. It's always an issue when you have a male/female relationship in a story - do you let the attraction grow or just keep the underlying tension, if you will. I don't know what the creators have in mind, but I certainly think Anya and Marcus's foremost responsibility will always be keeping the world a safe place. But, would I like to see the attraction more overtly played out? Sure. I think that would be a fun element to play with and add to the complexities of the characters.

According to the history of Gears of War Anya Stroud was the daughter of a frontline soldier and yet she found herself staying behind the wire and dealing with communications, in Gears 3 she finally takes the step towards active duty and picks up a rifle. Hypothetically speaking if you found yourself in the middle of this COG - Locust - Lambent war where do you think you'd personally enjoy working, comms, frontline soldier, pilot a medic maybe?  

Wow. I've never thought of that. But, I love imagining that now. My gut says I would be a medic - I'd be helping people and I'd be in the front lines. The best of both worlds. 

How did you find yourself becoming the voice of Anya Stroud?  

I voiced Dr. Betty Ross in a series of animated movies called "Ultimate Avengers." Rod Ferguson from Epic heard me do that voice, and wanted me to audition for Anya. I'm so glad he did!  I got the job and have loved every minute I've been on Gears.

Do you get much input into the script or get to make any suggestions as to what Anya says in the game?  

I don't really have any input into the script, but when we are recording, sometimes something will be written on the page that just doesn't quite work in trying to bring it to life. And I will sometimes offer some ad libs. Or sometimes improvise the dialogue.  But, by and large, the folks at Epic know what works and what doesn't.

What is it actually like being involved in an industry were games such as Gears of War can quite happily turn over 500-600 million dollars in sales?  

It's kind of wild! I'm glad it's so popular. Wish I was getting royalty checks!  

Has anyone ever recognized you in the streets for being the voice of Anya or any other voices you have performed in the past?

People don't necessarily recognize me by my voice, but it has come up in conversations, and when folks realize I'm Anya, it's fun to see their faces. I think the coolest thing is my nephew - he plays the game and was so excited and proud to be able to tell his friends that his Aunt is Anya!

Did you get to see Cliff Bleszinski much and what is he like to work with?  

Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to work a lot with Cliff. But, I did interact with him on the launch for Gears 2 and he was a fantastic guy - so enthusiastic and so creative.

Looking to the future, are you hoping to be involved with the next Epic Games creation be it Gears of War 4 or maybe a separate endavour?  

I sure hope so. There continue to be rumors of a live-action movie, and I would love to be a part of that. I think it would be so much fun for the folks who play the game to see the move version and try and pick out the voices from the game.  

Finally the most important question of all, who are you rooting for COG, Locust or Lambent?  

Oh boy, another tough question. I'm going to have to say, I just can't pick sides!

Thank you for your time Nan, we look forward to seeing Anya Stroud in the new game Gears of War 3 and we look forward to seeing you take up the role of Anya in Gears games to come.  

My pleasure. Thank you for asking, Lee.

So there you have it, I hope you've enjoyed this Monster Gears Week and what a way to end, talking with none other than Nan McNamara. We look forward to seeing what Epic has done with Gears of War 3 when it hit stores around September 20th all we know is that we are simply itching to get our hands on Marcus Fenix's and Anya Strouds latest venture.

Stay tuned for more news, previews and the full review when the game is released.